matamander
Member
I realized it has been a while since I've posted. This is my favorite trip of the past year. I dragged my significant other along and drove 17 hours out to the Ouachita Mtns to find some rare salamander species I only dreamed about seeing and did decently well!
We traveled out at the end of March since it was the only time we could go and although there weren't leaves on the trees, the weather was still pretty cool and damp. The main reason why I thought of the trip was in hopes of finding the three species in the Plethodon ouachitae coplex. Ultimately I was able to see 10 new herp subspecies (7 salamanders, 2 snakes, 1 frog), although I'm only including the salamanders below.
Ouachita Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus brimleyorum), the first salamander of the trip, found 30 yards from where my tent was. The only one I saw, but pretty iconic for this region.
Many-ribbed Salamander (Eurycea multiplicata), also found within eyesight of my campsite. A non-descript Eurycea, but a new one for me nonetheless
Southern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus), I try to photograph these more and more, the smaller Plethodon don't get as much love as they deserve
juvie Four-toed Salamanders (Hemidactylium scutatum), cute little guys found in a boggy area up the road. It was cool to see these wide ranging salamanders far away from home
Caddo Mountain Salamander (Plethodon caddoensis), the only one I found on this trip. Was super excited to find this guy
Western Slimy Salamander (Plethodon albagula), must have seen a couple dozen of these guys. It was pretty neat how dark these guys were (compared to their eastern counterparts), barely any spots on them. I found this one just after seeing a Western Cottonmouth 20 feet away
Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae), dark phase (there's actually a specific variant to this species, but it will give the locality away) - these guys are so variable and I saw around 40 of these guys on a rainy day
Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae), brassy phase
Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae), chestnut phase - note the intradermal mites on his feet
Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma annulatum), one of two I found. I didn't even think finding these guys would be possible since I made the trip 6 months after their breeding season. What a lovely find it was!
Fourche Mountain Salamander (Plethodon fourchensis), one of three I saw. A wonderful way to end a great trip, such a handsome salamander!
We traveled out at the end of March since it was the only time we could go and although there weren't leaves on the trees, the weather was still pretty cool and damp. The main reason why I thought of the trip was in hopes of finding the three species in the Plethodon ouachitae coplex. Ultimately I was able to see 10 new herp subspecies (7 salamanders, 2 snakes, 1 frog), although I'm only including the salamanders below.
Ouachita Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus brimleyorum), the first salamander of the trip, found 30 yards from where my tent was. The only one I saw, but pretty iconic for this region.
Many-ribbed Salamander (Eurycea multiplicata), also found within eyesight of my campsite. A non-descript Eurycea, but a new one for me nonetheless
Southern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon serratus), I try to photograph these more and more, the smaller Plethodon don't get as much love as they deserve
juvie Four-toed Salamanders (Hemidactylium scutatum), cute little guys found in a boggy area up the road. It was cool to see these wide ranging salamanders far away from home
Caddo Mountain Salamander (Plethodon caddoensis), the only one I found on this trip. Was super excited to find this guy
Western Slimy Salamander (Plethodon albagula), must have seen a couple dozen of these guys. It was pretty neat how dark these guys were (compared to their eastern counterparts), barely any spots on them. I found this one just after seeing a Western Cottonmouth 20 feet away
Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae), dark phase (there's actually a specific variant to this species, but it will give the locality away) - these guys are so variable and I saw around 40 of these guys on a rainy day
Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae), brassy phase
Rich Mountain Salamander (Plethodon ouachitae), chestnut phase - note the intradermal mites on his feet
Ringed Salamander (Ambystoma annulatum), one of two I found. I didn't even think finding these guys would be possible since I made the trip 6 months after their breeding season. What a lovely find it was!
Fourche Mountain Salamander (Plethodon fourchensis), one of three I saw. A wonderful way to end a great trip, such a handsome salamander!
